#[[ I appreciate the sentiment but out of respect for the character and the way I want to write him

[msunitedstatesjames]

I've touched on this in a couple of other semi-related posts before, but I find it hilarious and I appreciate how much Johanna Hezenkoss thinks Emmrich is the protagonist of Veilguard. Like, this woman could not give less of a fuck about Rook. She almost always refers to Rook only by their relationship to Emmrich. She refers to Rook as "one of Volkarin's hangers-on," "that impudent whelp following [Emmrich] around," "Volkarin's companion," and as Emmrich's "paramour." None of these imply that she thinks Rook has much agency. Instead, she acts like Rook is just helplessly following Emmrich around like a puppy, helping him complete tasks (which I guess is partly true).

If Rook romances Emmrich, Hezenkoss assumes that Emmrich seduced Rook and not the other way around, even though Emmrich is noticeably older than Rook and has hardly left the Necropolis in years. She's seemingly amazed by it, and yet it never once crosses her mind that Rook might have initiated the relationship (which is actually the case).

She also refers to Emmrich as the one who destroyed her construct, which is technically true, but she ignores the major assistance he had from Rook, another companion, and most notably Manfred. He couldn't have pulled it off without their help, and had in fact given up, but Hezenkoss acts like Emmrich was her sole opponent in that battle.

I've said before that part of the reason for this is that Hezenkoss seems to think of herself as the main villain of the story, so Emmrich must be the main hero. Hezenkoss says that some of the other big bads of Dragon Age, the Venatori, were nothing more to her than slightly useful and genuinely annoying. She clearly thinks herself above an entire organization of some of the most powerful mages in the world. And she sees Emmrich as pretty close to her in terms of raw power, since she almost invited him to her Vengeance Party but ultimately decided he was too much of a danger to her plans. She also states that she tried to get him to join her in the past, which I don't think she would do for anyone she considered to be less than her equal. Emmrich is genuinely the only person in the game she shows any respect for. Though she mocks his age and finds him to be too sentimental, too moral, and too fearful, she shows signs of agreeing with him on some topics, and she obviously respects his abilities if nothing else. No one else in the game acknowledges his frankly ridiculous knowledge and skill level (except Solas in the end) as much as Hezenkoss does.

And really, Emmrich does have main character energy. Though he does have some age and mortality related fears, dude is overflowing with confidence. When you first meet him, looking for a Fade expert, he has absolutely no problem telling you he's the best possible person for the job. Though he apparently hasn't left the Necropolis in years, he's totally down to join the team and go anywhere you want him to go. If you romance him, he is initially surprised, but he quickly turns into the smoothest dude around, and throughout the game you can hear him comment on some of his many relationships through the years. He's well-dressed, well-spoken, charismatic, highly educated, unfailingly kind, extremely powerful, and he's done so well for himself that Harding mistakes the son of a butcher and a cook for a member of the Nevarran nobility. No wonder Hezenkoss thinks he's the protagonist. The real protagonist is just out here winging it on guts and good luck alone.

[tobiasdrake]

*deep breath* Okay. Here we go.

I don't think the Netflix Avatar show likes women very much. It's a great show for fans of Aang, Sokka, Zuko, and Iroh specifically. All four of those characters get a ton of great material. In fact, it's super great for Sokka stans, because the show takes him ultra-seriously and can't go five minutes without one character or another (usually a woman) praising him.

But the way it handles its female cast is troublesome.

Katara

So, all three of the main trio got some changes made to their stories. They changed Aang's story so that he wasn't running away from his responsibilities; He was just clearing his head and somehow accidentallied himself into a tsunami. Whoopsy-dooodle. Aang did nothing wrong.

They changed Sokka's story so that him being a leader of his people and a great guardian warrior is treated with complete seriousness. Multiple times, characters stop to talk about how brave and noble Sokka is for taking on such an intense responsibility, and tell him to his face what a great warrior and a wonderful leader he is. Also his misogyny is erased.

And they changed Katara's story so that she directly got her mom killed because she sucks at waterbending.

Katara tries to waterbend to attack the Fire Nation soldier but couldn't manage it, provoking the soldier to start actively searching for her and forcing her mom to fake a waterbending attack and draw his fire. They changed Katara's story so that her bad decision making fucking got her mom killed.

This is treated with the same level of severity as "Sokka was bullied by mean kids and also his dad doesn't think he's good enough to be a leader."

"I hoped Sokka would do better but not everyone is meant to have people's lives in their hands," Sokka's dad says of him.

Yeah, you're right, that's totally comparable to watching your mom get barbecued because you tried to waterbend in a situation you shouldn't have and then failed.

In fact, they give Sokka's greatest trauma more weight because it gets examined again with Yue next episode, while Katara actively getting her mom killed isn't brought up again at all. We get traumatized glimpses of it throughout the season leading up to the reveal, but after this scene in episode 5, it never comes up again.

But to be fair, Katara was a child. An event this significant would surely have motivated her, driving her to become the great waterbender she is now, right?

No! Katara sucks at waterbending and needs men who aren't even waterbenders to teach her how to waterbend. She requires instruction from Aang in episode 1 to learn how to waterbend, then from Jet in episode 3 to learn how to waterbend better.

And unlike the show, her relationship with Aang isn't a give-and-take; Katara doesn't teach Aang a single goddamn thing. He never learns to waterbend. She is a strictly a pupil throughout the whole season. Though she at least gets officially labeled a master in episode 8, so there's that.

In any case, the whole traumatic memory thing isn't even the only time she's directly compared with Sokka. Episodes 3 and 4 see Katara and Sokka bicker over whose morally dubious side character is better. Sokka likes the Mechanist and Katara likes Jet.

Ultimately, Katara is forced to eat crow when Jet turns out to be the worst, while Sokka is vindicated when the Mechanist sees the error of his ways and reforms. But not before two separate arguments where Sokka calls Katara childish and accuses her of acting like a little girl.

Arguments ultimately resolved when Katara apologizes to Sokka for not adequately respecting his very serious and ultra important role as village protector and leader. Gives him a whole speech about how great and glorious he is. And Sokka... appreciates Katara learning to respect him properly, I guess, because he never offers any similar sentiments back to her.

The show just... They need you to know how important Sokka is, okay? It's very important that you respect Sokka.

Suki

Suki suffers tremendously from that whole "Sokka's misogyny was removed" thing. Y'know, because they need something else to do with that episode. The show is deeply aware that Suki is Sokka's love interest, so they just do that right off the bat. Suki falls madly in love with him from the moment they meet, and spends the entire episode making goo-goo eyes and trying to get him to Notice Me Senpai.

They still do the "Suki Trains Sokka" stuff. But Sokka is a serious, dignified manly man worthy of the deepest respect now, so of course they don't make him wear the Kyoshi uniform. Instead, the main purpose of his training is to allow them to flirt some more. It's less martial arts training and more an excuse to grope each other and near-kiss.

Suki's just a waifu now. She still fights real good, but all of the stuff that made her relationship with Sokka interesting has been erased.

Yue

Yue, similarly, leaps straight to shipping from the word go. They write out her fiance, Hahn, by having Yue briefly meet Sokka earlier in the season. She spends one minute talking to him in the Spirit World about Spirit World lore; In that time, she falls so desperately, madly, unfathomably in love with him that she breaks off her marriage to Hahn and devotes herself to waiting for him to one day come to her.

"Never have I known such joys as that time you let me explain the spirit bear Hei Bei to you. Truly, we are destined to be together for life."

Like with Suki, they go out of their way to have Yue and Sokka already be a ship from the word 'go' so they don't have to spend time developing any kind of meaningful attraction.

They just. They really want you to know that Sokka is the manliest and most desirable man ever to walk this earth. It is very important that you understand how great he is. Women hurl themselves into his arms with zero effort whatsoever, because he's just so goddamn irresistible.

Fortunately, Hahn is super okay with this turn of events. He's the most chill guy ever, he gets along perfectly well with Sokka, and he completely supports Yue's right to dump him! In the famously misogynistic Northern Water Tribe, no less! What a swell guy. Aren't men swell?

June

June gets hit with that "rewritten as hollow waifu" stick too, but her eyes are set on Iroh. They rewrote June to be super attracted and flirty towards the man who was her unwanted sexual harasser in the source material. So that's fun.

Also, she barely does anything. Zuko hires her to find Aang, she succeeds, and then she fucks right off out of the show - But she manages to find time to express how unbelievably sexy Iroh is twice during that time.

She seriously just dropped into the show to flirt with Iroh and leave. She is unbelievably inconsequential.

Kyoshi

And then there's Kyoshi. They really want you to hate Kyoshi. She's constantly shot from below, as if looking down on Aang and the audience. Her voice takes on a demonic echoing reverb at one point as she's screaming at Aang that "THE AVATAR MUST BE A MERCILESS WARRIOR!!!"

She despises Aang, calling him a coward for running away from his responsibilities - Which, I remind you, is no longer a plot point because they unwrote that flaw from his character. So she's just a complete and utter asshole, shot from the asshole angle, yelling violently at him with asshole sound effects. They want you to despise this woman.

Azula

Awkwardly, they do not seem to want you to despise Azula.

There's a lot to be said for how Ozai treats Azula in the original show. The way the favoritism he shows her is every bit as cruel and manipulative as the unfavoritism that he shows Zuko. Ozai does not love Azula. He loves the reflection of himself he sees in her eyes, and his encouragement urges her to polish herself to ensure his reflection always shines through.

This is not that. The show instead erases the favoritism entirely. Ozai doesn't really care one way or another about either of his kids. He plays them against each other, bragging openly to Azula about how great Zuko is and unpleasably writing Azula off as weak and useless.

They've rewritten the dynamic between abusive father and his two abused kids in order to take Azula's pride away. Reimagining her from a gifted prodigy who excels at imitating the toxic behaviors of a father who doesn't truly care for her, to a put-upon overachiever tearing herself in knots to live up to the standards of her unpleasable father.

This results in a truly wild portrayal of Azula as insecure and jealous of Ozai's seemingly love for Zuko. Here, she is simply a browbeaten child constantly complaining to her friends about how mean her father is and conspiring to get one up over Daddy's Golden Child Zuko.

Which she fails at, because she backs Zhao. Zuko deftly defeats her without even realizing they're in competition.

Conclusion

The season ends well for some of these women. It ends promising that maybe we'll see Katara teaching Aang some day. It ends with Zhao bragging that Ozai just used Zuko to train Azula so maybe we'll see the more confident and misguidedly proud Azula some day. Yue becomes the moon like she's supposed to. June's still out there so maybe she'll get to do something again some day.

Katara gets to fight Pakku and lose, but she looks pretty cool. She gets to fight Zuko and lose, but she looks pretty cool. Azula learns to lightningbend because she's just so mad about Ozai's contempt for her and favoritism for Zuko, which isn't how you lightningbend.

But promises of future content fall flat when the content that exists is so underwhelming. This season made its feelings on these characters pretty evident, and it's unwise to expect better material from creators who've disappointed you with the material they already made.

The women of Netflix Avatar simply do not get to shine, outside of superficial moments like the "Women of Northern Water Tribe demand the right to fight and then fuck off and don't do anything for the entire rest of the episode" bit.

"In the midst of battle, we demand that you stop being sexist and give us permission to fight! This is a way better idea than convincing you to teach us to fight before the battle begins."

The characters of this show feel as if they've been reimagined to glorify the boys at the expense of the girls. The boys are treated with a great amount of care. They're dignified and made important movers of the plot, with their rough edges sanded off. While the girls are molded around them.

[ennn]

Let's appreciate how complex Agatha's relationship with Billy is

GIF credit to @isagrimorie

The genuine emotion brimming from Agatha in this moment is very interesting and I really want to break down all the layers of how Agatha is relating to Billy—because it is truly not as simple as Agatha feeling sentimental or motherly to Billy.

There are a few layers at work here (and I also want to give a shout-out to @trickofthelights for her excellent recap points):

Billy reminds Agatha (enough) of herself

There are two driving forces at the core of Agatha as a character. We know this because her characterisation has been incredibly consistent throughout the show and Schaeffer has talked about them, which is: (a) Agatha is self-serving and (b) Agatha loves powerful witchcraft.

Billy is a powerful witch who did a horrifying thing in order to survive. He's been lying to these wonderful parents. He also just tried murdering three people in a fit of rage, provoked by Agatha no less.

Would Agatha care if he was less powerful? Would Agatha care if he didn't have a dark side? If he hadn't shown to be duplicitous and dangerous and subject to his darker impulses?

If he wasn't alone and without a coven, a possible outcast even among witches because of his unusual origins and power?

I'm pretty sure the answer is no, she would not. She would have dismissed him the same way she did his "Teen" persona. Agatha doesn't care about witches, Agatha cares about powerful witches –because that's who Agatha is and what drives her.

And we also got hints of this with Agatha and Wanda (hello consistent characterisation). In Schaeffer's words:

There is respect and almost affection inherent in [Agatha's interest in enormously powerful witchcraft], as indicated by how she felt about Wanda. She was mean to Wanda, but really she was fascinated by Wanda and admired her and wanted to hang out with her. 

And if this wasn't clear enough, what Agatha tells Billy shortly later about breaking the rules and being a true witch just screams projection (more on that in my next point).

I was delighted that Agatha really did bounce back from the attempted murder – but it's not because she's forgiving. Oh no, I think, Agatha was testing her theory by poking the bear (calculated move, bad at math) and she's glad she was proven right.

I mean, she not happy about the attempted murder but her curiosity wins out. You see her poking at Billy and trying to figure him out in the rest of this scene.

Agatha also hates self-righteous moralising and searches out for the darkness in people – delights in it even – because she knows people and she knows her own darkness.

Billy is different but also not so different from Agatha, as much as Billy or his mom would hate to admit.

Agatha is dealing with her childhood trauma

Yes, Agatha is projecting on Billy, but she makes a choice about it. We hear her telling him what she would have wanted someone to tell her: that they shouldn't be afraid or ashamed of who they are or what they did to survive, that they are part of a community.

Don't you dare feel guilty about your talent. ... That's what kept you alive. That's what makes you special. That's what makes you a witch.

She's trying to be the person she needed when she was a child, because she simply doesn't want someone else – particularly a younger witch – going through what she did.

She doesn't want anyone to go through what her mother put her through. And that's a choice.

Because there are a number of ways a character can deal with trauma: they can lash out and bring others down, wanting others to experience to the pain they went through, or they can realise that what happened to them shouldn't happen to anyone else in their position.

There's something beautifully self-serving but also selfless in that, because this is a way for Agatha to heal from her trauma. She can tell Billy things she may not be able to tell herself.

And it's interesting because as a self-serving villain, Agatha could just be jealous of Billy's power. But in this moment at least, Agatha's empathy and compassion – as buried as they usually are – prevail.

And yes, Agatha was fond of kid Billy

This is what Schaeffer touched on in her interview answer and it makes sense, with the insight that Agatha – like any good actor – does invest a bit of herself in every role she plays.

Agatha does have feelings (as much as they might make her vomit) and I do believe she has a soft spot when it comes to kids, given her experience with her son and her own childhood trauma. And that kids don't have the level of hypocrisy and darkness that adults do.

It makes sense that Agatha would have some level of care about the Scarlet Witch's magical kid Billy. And that is a fondness that has carried onto teenage Billy – who is powerful and a survivor and has a potential for darkness in a way she can relate to.

There are layers and they intersect and it all ties back to how Agatha is incredibly complex and yet consistent as a character.

[mbruben-stein]

Inuyasha SFW Alphabet: Sesshōmaru

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

While Sesshōmaru is not one for grand displays or declarations of love, he shows affection to his partner in subtle yet meaningful ways. A gentle caress of their face, a warm embrace when they are alone, or simply staying close by their side - these are how Sesshōmaru expresses his deep feelings without words. He is fiercely loyal and protective, always putting his lover's safety and happiness first. Sesshōmaru may appear cold and aloof to others, but in private moments he allows his softer, more caring side to emerge. A low whisper of "I love you", a rare smile reserved only for them, a tender kiss pressed to their forehead - through these small gestures, his partner can feel the profound love and devotion Sesshōmaru holds in his heart for them alone. He loves deeply and completely, even if he struggles to express it openly.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

Though aloof and stoic by nature, Sesshōmaru's friendship, once earned, would be unwaveringly loyal and protective. The friendship would likely start in an unexpected way - perhaps Sesshōmaru is begrudgingly impressed by a human's bravery, resourcefulness and lack of fear in his presence, much like his initial encounters with Rin. Over time, through shared experiences and challenges overcome together, Sesshōmaru would come to respect and value this friend's strength of character, though he would rarely express such sentiments aloud. He would become fiercely defensive of this friend, just as he is with Rin and Jaken, while still maintaining his pride and dignity. Sesshōmaru would offer counsel and aid to this friend when needed, but in his own indirect, oblique manner, and would appreciate a friend who understands and accepts his aristocratic demon nature. Any friend of Sesshōmaru's would have truly earned the daiyōkai's esteem and loyalty - a rare privilege, and a bond not easily broken.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

Although he would never admit it, the stoic and aloof Sesshōmaru secretly enjoys cuddling with his partner in private moments. His cuddling style reflects his personality - protective yet not overly affectionate. He would wrap an arm around them and hold them close to his side, allowing them to rest their head on his shoulder or chest. Sesshōmaru is not one for overt displays of affection, but this simple intimate gesture, usually accompanied by companionable silence or perhaps a clawed hand gently stroking his partner's hair, speaks volumes about the deep feelings and bond between them that he prefers to keep shielded from the outside world. These quiet cuddles are his way of showing vulnerability and tenderness to the one who holds his guarded heart.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

While it may seem out of character at first, after falling deeply in love, Sesshōmaru would eventually wish to settle down with his partner. His cold exterior would melt away in private moments together. He would struggle with domestic tasks like cooking and cleaning, having never had to bother with such things before. But out of devotion to his beloved, Sesshōmaru would earnestly try his best, even if the results were often humorously clumsy. In time, with patient guidance from his partner, he would gain competence in household matters. Above all else, Sesshōmaru would be fiercely protective and loyal, using his immense power to create a safe haven for the one who finally taught him how to love.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Sesshōmaru would likely end a relationship in a cold but dignified manner, in keeping with his aloof and prideful demeanor. He would seek out his partner privately and inform them bluntly that he no longer wished to continue their relationship. His reasons would be stated matter-of-factly, without unnecessary details or emotional displays. Sesshōmaru would make it clear that his decision was final and not open for debate. He would then take his leave, considering the matter resolved, and would prefer not to dwell on it or hash things out further. While he would avoid cruelty, he also would not go out of his way to spare his former partner's feelings or offer false consolation. In Sesshōmaru's mind, a clean break is best, his sense of honor is satisfied by being forthright, and he sees no need to drag things out or engage in messy human-like emotions. He would then continue on his path unencumbered.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Sesshōmaru, having grown emotionally through his encounters with Rin and others, would likely take commitment very seriously. As a proud and dignified demon, he would not enter into a relationship or marriage lightly. He would want to ensure that his partner is someone he deeply respects and trusts, and who understands and accepts his nature. Once committed, Sesshōmaru would be fiercely loyal and protective of his significant other. However, given his reserved personality, he would probably prefer to take his time before making such a significant decision as marriage. He would want to be certain of his feelings and his partner's compatibility. When he does choose to marry, it would be a profound and meaningful bond, not something rushed into on impulse. Sesshōmaru's commitment would be a serious, lifelong vow.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Despite his aloof and sometimes cold exterior, Sesshōmaru has a surprisingly gentle side that emerges around those he truly cares for, like a significant other. Physically, his touch would be exceedingly tender and careful, always mindful of his immense strength. He would brush a stray lock of hair from their face with the lightest caress, hold them close with strong arms that nevertheless cradle them like something infinitely precious and fragile. Emotionally, Sesshōmaru struggles more to express himself, but his actions speak volumes - the way he quietly listens to his partner's troubles, the silent support and protection he offers, the softness in his eyes that is reserved only for them. He may rarely say "I love you", but he shows it in a million tiny ways each day through his gentle attentiveness and devotion. With patience and understanding from his significant other, Sesshōmaru slowly learns to let his walls down, revealing a deep capacity for gentleness and love beneath his proud exterior.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Although Sesshōmaru is not typically one for physical displays of affection due to his reserved personality, he does enjoy the occasional hug from his s/o in private moments. These hugs are rare - perhaps once every few weeks when they are alone together. When he does hug his s/o, his embrace is gentle yet firm, enveloping them protectively in his arms and mokomoko. He savors the feeling of holding his loved one close to him, breathing in their scent. The hug lingers for a long, peaceful moment before he slowly releases them, gazing at them with soft golden eyes that reveal the depth of his love and devotion, even if he does not express it in words. For Sesshōmaru, a single heartfelt hug speaks volumes.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

Given Sesshōmaru's reserved and proud nature, it would likely take a very long time before he openly expressed his love verbally. Even as his compassion and care for others grew, especially Rin, he still struggled to show it outwardly. Sesshōmaru is not the type to freely express his emotions, so hearing an explicit "I love you" from him would be exceedingly rare. He would more likely show his love through his actions - protecting them fiercely, always being there when they need him, making sure they are safe and cared for. But he would probably only say the words after years of slowly learning to be more open and direct in expressing affection, and even then, only to someone he truly trusted and cared for deeply. It would be a momentous occasion if and when he finally said "I love you" out loud.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

Sesshōmaru rarely shows jealousy outwardly due to his calm and aloof demeanor. However, if someone were to seriously vie for the affections and attention of his partner, subtle signs of jealousy would emerge. He would never admit to the emotion, but he would become more territorial and protective of his significant other. Sesshōmaru would find reasons to pull his partner away for private time together, using small gestures and looks to remind them of his devotion. He may make a show of his strength and power in front of the potential rival as an unspoken warning. While he trusts his partner, Sesshōmaru's pride would require him to clearly, if indirectly, demonstrate his claim on the relationship. Behind closed doors, he would need physical and verbal reassurance of his partner's loyalty and commitment to him alone. Sesshōmaru's jealousy would manifest in a desire to reinforce the bond with his significant other.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Given Sesshōmaru's aloof and dignified demeanor, his kisses with a significant other would likely start off restrained and gentle. He would tenderly kiss their forehead, cheeks, and the back of their hand as a sign of his deep affection and respect for them. As he grows more comfortable expressing his feelings, his kisses would become warmer and more lingering, though still not overly passionate. He would enjoy kissing his love's temple and hair, cherishing their closeness. Sesshōmaru would probably most appreciate receiving soft kisses on his cheek, jaw, and the crescent moon mark on his forehead, as these would feel intimate and loving without being too forward. Over time, he would learn to convey his true devotion through his kisses, transforming his once cold exterior into a means of showing heartfelt adoration for his significant other.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Despite his initially cold demeanor, Sesshōmaru's interactions with Rin suggest he has a soft spot for children, especially those who have experienced hardship. While he may not openly display affection, he is protective of young ones in his care and provides for their needs. Sesshōmaru likely feels a sense of responsibility towards children, seeing them as innocent beings deserving of safety and support. As a father, he would be a stern but caring protector, patiently guiding his child and ensuring they grow up strong and capable. Though not prone to overt displays of love, his actions would demonstrate his deep devotion to his family.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Mornings with Sesshōmaru are calm and peaceful, matching his stoic and dignified demeanor. He rises early, often before the sun, and spends time in quiet contemplation as the world slowly awakens around him. You join him, sitting silently by his side and enjoying his steady, reassuring presence. Few words are exchanged, but none are needed - just being near him fills you with a sense of contentment and security. As the first rays of sunlight filter through the trees, Sesshōmaru rises gracefully to his feet, ready to begin the day's journey. His hand gently brushes your cheek, a small gesture of affection, before he departs to patrol the area and ensure no threats are near. You watch him go with a soft smile, treasuring these tranquil morning moments spent in the company of your stoic but deeply caring daiyōkai love.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

Nights spent with Sesshōmaru are peaceful yet meaningful. After Rin has fallen asleep, you sit together in comfortable silence under the stars, enjoying the stillness and beauty of the night. Sesshōmaru is not one for idle chatter, but the two of you share a deep bond that does not always require words. On occasion, he will tell you stories of his past adventures or share rare insights into his thoughts, allowing you a precious glimpse beneath his typically stoic exterior. You treasure these quiet moments of connection and vulnerability. Sometimes you simply rest your head on his shoulder as he watches over you protectively, making you feel completely safe and at ease. Being with him fills you with a profound sense of belonging, partnership and unshakable trust. And so the night passes serenely in the calming presence of your demon lord, until you drift off to sleep by his side, enveloped in his warmth.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

Despite his usually calm and impassive demeanor, Sesshōmaru has a surprisingly short fuse when it comes to his mate. He is fiercely protective and easily riled by any perceived slight or threat to his beloved. The daiyōkai reacts with cold fury whenever enemies foolishly attempt to use his mate as leverage. Even minor annoyances, like his mate playfully teasing him, can sometimes provoke an irritated growl or flash of red in his eyes. However, Sesshōmaru's anger quickly cools in the face of his mate's soothing presence. A gentle touch or softly spoken word from them never fails to settle his temper. His mate is the only one who can pierce through his emotionless facade and stir the passionate heart that beats beneath. While Sesshōmaru may be slow to show affection, his feelings run deep and strong, especially his instinct to protect what is his. Woe betide any who dare to truly enrage the great Lord of the West when it comes to his most cherished person.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Despite his aloof and stoic demeanor, Sesshōmaru would likely remember many details about his significant other, even small things mentioned in passing. His acute senses and keen mind allow him to pick up on subtle cues and commit them to memory. Though he may not outwardly express it, Sesshōmaru pays close attention when his partner speaks, making mental notes about their preferences, fears, and aspirations. However, he probably wouldn't dwell on trivial matters or things he deems unimportant. Sesshōmaru's memory would primarily focus on information that helps him understand, protect, and support his significant other, showcasing his hidden compassion. While he might occasionally forget minor details, his overall attentiveness demonstrates the depth of his feelings, even if he rarely verbalizes them.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

Sesshōmaru deeply cherishes a quiet moment shared with his s/o while watching the sunset together. As they sit side by side in comfortable silence, Sesshōmaru reflects on how this human has managed to touch his heart in ways he never thought possible. The simple act of being in their presence brings him a sense of contentment and peace that he has rarely known. He glances over at his s/o, admiring the way the fading light illuminates their features, and feels a swell of affection. In this moment, Sesshōmaru realizes that he has found someone who accepts and loves him unconditionally, just as he is. This tranquil, intimate moment of connection becomes one of Sesshōmaru's most treasured memories in their relationship, a testament to the profound impact his s/o has had on his life.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Sesshōmaru is extremely protective of his s/o, treating their safety and wellbeing as his utmost priority, even above his own pride. Although he usually maintains an aloof demeanor, he would not hesitate to unleash his full demonic power to annihilate any threat or enemy that dared to harm his beloved. Sesshōmaru shows his protectiveness through actions more than words - always remaining vigilant of danger, swiftly dispatching foes before they can strike, and keeping his s/o close by his side. While his s/o may wish to protect him in return, Sesshōmaru would initially be resistant, believing it is his duty alone to serve as the protector in the relationship due to his immense strength. However, he would come to deeply appreciate gestures of loyalty, devotion and emotional support from his s/o. Knowing that he has a caring partner who will stand by him no matter what touches his guarded heart and makes him fall even deeper in love. Ultimately, they protect each other in their own ways.

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Although Sesshōmaru is not one for grand romantic gestures, he would quietly put thought and effort into special occasions with a partner he truly cared for. He would seek out meaningful gifts that reflected his understanding of his s/o, even if he wouldn't make a big fuss about presenting them. For anniversaries and dates, he would plan private outings to places of beauty and significance to them both. And in everyday life together, Sesshōmaru would show his love through small acts of attentiveness, protection and provision for his s/o's needs. Cooking meals, mending clothes, keeping their home in order - Sesshōmaru would do these things without complaint when he knew it would make his partner happy. His devotion would be understated yet unmistakable to one who knew him well. He might not say "I love you" often, but his actions would consistently send that message loud and clear to a cherished s/o.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Despite Sesshōmaru's dignified demeanor, his s/o would likely have to put up with a few irksome habits stemming from his aloof personality and sense of superiority. He would frequently leave for long periods without much explanation, expecting his s/o to simply await his return. Sesshōmaru would also be quite dismissive of his s/o's human customs, seeing many of them as frivolous. He would hate to be kept waiting and would become impatient if his s/o took too long to get ready or complete tasks. Sesshōmaru would have little tolerance for weakness, so his s/o would need to project strength and capability, even when struggling. His pride would make apologies and admissions of fault rare. However, Sesshōmaru's s/o would learn that subtle gestures, like gifting them fine kimonos or rare demonic items, are his way of showing affection and making amends after an argument.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

While Sesshōmaru would never admit it out loud, he is quite particular about his looks. His long, silver hair is always immaculately kept, and his clothes are of the finest silk, pristine and free of any blemishes. He takes pride in his regal appearance, believing that it reflects his strength and status as a powerful demon lord. Although he may appear indifferent on the surface, Sesshōmaru secretly enjoys the admiration and envy his striking looks inspire in others. In quiet moments, he can sometimes be caught ensuring not a hair is out of place. After all, maintaining an impeccable appearance is just another way for Sesshōmaru to demonstrate his superiority over those around him.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Over time, Sesshōmaru's usually aloof and indifferent demeanor would soften around his s/o, just as it did with Rin. While still proud on the surface, he would grow to care for them deeply, feeling protective of their wellbeing. His s/o's steadfast presence would become an integral part of his life - a missing piece he hadn't realized he needed. When apart, he would feel a subtle but persistent tug in his heart, an incompleteness only remedied by reuniting with his s/o. Their bond would be unspoken but profound - his s/o filling his life with warmth, affection and understanding in a way no one else could. Without them by his side, the powerful daiyōkai would feel adrift, his victories and empire hollow. Only with his s/o would Sesshōmaru finally feel truly whole, two souls entwined as one.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

Sesshōmaru sat quietly beneath a blossoming cherry tree, his s/o resting peacefully with their head on his lap. He gazed down at their serene face, gently brushing a stray lock of hair from their forehead with his clawed hand, careful not to disturb their slumber. A soft breeze carried sweet floral notes and stirred the delicate pink petals above. In that tranquil moment, Sesshōmaru felt a profound sense of contentment wash over him, so different from the restless drive that had defined his life for centuries. His s/o had a way of quieting the turmoil within him, their mere presence a soothing balm to his once cold heart. He knew that he would face any threat, travel any distance, to keep them safe by his side. Sesshōmaru allowed himself the slightest smile, a rare expression of the deep affection and peace he felt in the comforting refuge of his love's company under the ephemeral beauty of spring's blooms. In a life of battle and strife, this tender intimacy was a precious gift.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Disrespect and impudence. As a powerful daiyōkai lord, Sesshōmaru demands respect and deference from those around him. He would not tolerate a partner who spoke to him rudely, defied him, mocked him, or did not show him proper respect.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

Given Sesshōmaru's aloof and dignified nature, he likely does not require much sleep as a powerful dog demon. However, when traveling with his human s/o, Sesshōmaru would make sure they had time to properly rest each night. He would sit up against a tree, remaining alert to protect them as they slept. Sesshōmaru would rarely sleep himself, but on occasion, he would allow his s/o to lay their head in his lap as he dozed lightly, one hand gently resting on their hair. These quiet, intimate moments at night were some of the only times Sesshōmaru would let his guard down, a sign of his deep trust in and affection for his s/o, even if he didn't express it openly. Despite his usual cold demeanor, he found a certain peaceful comfort in watching over them as they slept soundly under his protection.

[sukunas-wife]

the Dadkuna series is great!!! Sukuna isn’t my main character that I like in jjk but this series has me SAT and WAITING for the next upload! I’ve always wondered though what momkuna and dadkuna’s relationship dynamic is. We get that sort of in how they met but what about when their relationship is established? I get the sense that obviously dadkuna would quite literally do anything for her but what exactly goes through his mind when he thinks about her?

Oh? Guess whose back 😎🤧

Me- I’m sickly too 🤭 but! The blog is picking up 🥺 and I’ve been working on this for a good time so here you go 🤍🤍🤍

(Indentions are thoughts, things he didn’t actively say out loud 🥺🤍)

Lord Ryomen Sukuna, though emotionally stunted and constipated, loves his wife. Would level cities and kill men easily if she didn’t have such a strong hold in him.

But he’s a misogynist at heart to an extent. He wants you at home with his kids being his cute little wife that he knows he can always come home to. It was your overwhelming passion for helping women who couldn’t bear children that convinced him he could let you live your life, as long as he knew he had people there to look over you when he couldn’t.

He appreciates the fact that when he’s tired, covered in blood that’s not his own, and carrying the exhaustion of his war ridden day, there you are rushing to him when he enters his temple. Disregarding your fine silk robes and the blood partly way on his body. The way you cling to him, always so happy and relieved to see him come home.

The first time he came home after being gone for so long, he remembers how you cried and held on to him, your anguished filled cries when you cried about how you thought he was never coming back, how you were scared he’d left you alone. He remembers how his hands found your waits holding you a bit away, another hand coming to cup your face, thumb wiping away your tears when he looked at you with tired eyes, “It would take the militia of this land's greatest sorcerers to even consider preventing my way back to your embrace.” Your teary eyes softened before you buried your face in his chest again hugging him and clinging to him.

He longed for that feeling of your embrace whenever he would leave you behind, he could deny it but on his way home to you, his heart ached and longed to feel your embrace and hear your praises of how he had returned. You cried no more because you were filled with that confidence he would always return.

——————

He’s a traditional man with his one form of values, not once did he long for sexual pleasure or was he consumed with lust. Misery, pain and the screams of his victims fueled him and filled him with an immense pleasure no woman’s body could ever possibly offer him.

They were all the same, sultry, scandalous, attention seeking harlots, prostitutes and women. Thinking they could better their lives if they could slip into his bed. They were wrong, every woman who he allowed to enter his bed chamber under these pretences had walked in with starry eyes and ambition. Only to cry and scream for their life while he slowly dug his nails into their flesh tearing them all apart, slowly and agonisingly. That was until he saw you that one day, any girl of age would’ve started to present themselves to him in shy or subtle ways hoping to catch his eyes. There you were kneeling out of respect in his presence, scared you had offended your lord.

‘Oh? Is this little morsel afraid?’ Fear filled and humbling yourself before him. You couldn’t look at him, there wasn’t an ounce of “I want to sleep with this man.” And yet these feelings caused a sentiment in the depths of his chest, something stirred inside him, you head captured his interest (non sexual at this point). ‘Hmm?, this will be a fine pet to break.’

You were a phenomenon in the temple, one he wanted to study, to take into his clawed hands and mould, twist, stretch and push to the edge and then just over the point of breaking to see what would become of you. Yet, once he had you in hands reach, once you were close enough for him to graze your skin with his nails… he didn’t treat you like a common daisy or water Lilly, no he took you into his hands like a Lotus floating on the water's surface. Making elegant work and taking care of your delicate bloom. You would be his delicate lotus that no one else would ever take the joy in having.

——————

“My gratifying queen, My delicate lotus, My benevolent wife.” Words he doesn’t speak so freely, he whispers them against your skin whenever you’d sleep by his side.

Delicate words and honeyed names had never once crossed his mind in his existence. Yet here he was, allowing himself to indulge in the smallest amount of vulnerability with these words. The press of his feverish kisses against your neck and cheeks between every word.

‘My little beloved pet, so tired, sleeping away the wares of today. How could something so small and insignificant like you cause this shift in my existence hm?’

The back of his hand brushing hair away from your face, nails grazing the side of your face lightly, he held you in his embrace watching you. Two arms securely around you, one supporting his head, the other kept grazing your skin. You’d stir in your sleep when he shifted slightly away from you to lay on his back. You’d become so used to his body heat even on the hottest days you’d search him out half awake.

‘My little lotus,’ he closed the space between you, pulling you into his side again, ‘rest your weary head without worries of tomorrow, I’m here to hold you now.’

He wouldn’t admit it, he didn’t even know it at that moment, but he was absolutely smitten with you in ways he had yet to comprehend. But it showed in his subconscious movements. A hand on your lower back or waist guiding you, knowing you’re close and safe.

Bringing home little jewels and trinkets he’d usually never spare a second glance . That is until a stone sparkles in the light of his flames and he stops briefly to take a close look.

My queen would look Devine with these adorning her neck. These stones would make fine pieces for my wife.

It was a shock when he came home one night waking you when he sat on the bed. You sat up sleepily while he handed you a bag of precious stones and jewels telling you he had brought you a gift, a free hand of his brushing your hair back and bringing you closer by the back of your head so he could kiss your lips.

——————

It was your wedding, there you were standing beside him in the Ceremonial Robes. You stood on his right, his eyes looking down at you.

Hmm, What an enticing display, to have my little pet dressed up so exquisitely for all to see and admire.

Even more enticing to know soon you’ll be round with my child, what an ethereal sight you will be laid out in silk robes and swollen carrying my legacy

My delicate little lotus, my malevolent queen, my gratifying and honourable wife. Perhaps these thoughts never be spoken aloud with heavy sentiment. But I vow myself to you in this instant, that I will do all to assure our future, our health, our children and our endless lives.

I will assure your hand never be left cold nor alone as long as I can take it. nor will it ever be lifted in vain or to labour. Your stomach is never empty as I will assure you have the finest wine and a feast every night if it’s what your little human heart desires, your head will always have a place to rest even if it is only on my chest. Your nights will never be cold, your days will never be short, your loneliness will exist no longer, and your heart will be mine, and mine will be yours.

It wasn’t all he told himself, but it was in the moment you felt a warm sensation against your skin, on your chest below the centre of your collar bone but above your breast was the same mark you’d seen on his tongue very few times.

Ryomen Sukuna DID NOT enjoy the thought of staining your teeth black, instead he took your hand, as if vowing and brains you, the ring finger of your left hand, the base faded to a black band, above it a snark mark matching your chest and another thin black bank, just below your nail was another black band. That’s how your little husband decided to present you as his.

Tag List: @sad-darksoul @satorisgirl @bontensbabygirl @lupita97lm @queen-luna-007 @venus-seeks

@bofadeezs

@sakuxxi @mercymccann @certainduckanchor @najiiix @bakugou-katsukis-wife @amitiel-truth @souyasplushie @mylovelessnightmare @ynjimenez @dolliira

Broken :( @simpforyoubitch @domainofmarie @ilovemybabies378 @anyaswlrd @cyder-puff

[genericpuff]

Are there any characters from LO that you actually like/don’t mind

I have a lot more appreciation for Minthe now with all the hindsight that Hades and Persephone are often way worse than she is. She still had a lot of issues on her own end that she didn't deal with well, and while I would have liked to see her actually develop properly beyond her struggles both internal and with Hades, I think the best thing we could have asked for was Minthe being written out of the story the way she was. At least then Rachel couldn't continue to use her as a punching bag (she just tagged in Leuce for that, sigh)

Helios is great, zero issue with him. This scene is a lot funnier and more relatable to read in hindsight:

like ofc Helios is gonna rat on her, he's the fucking sun who's been around for thousands of years, why would he put any more of his limited freedom on the line for macaroni art LMAO (and yes, Rachel herself confirmed that Persephone made macaroni art cards for Helios, it's like... yeah okay it's cute but Persephone and Demeter still hid a crime from Zeus, the sentimental value of the birthday cards have no bearing on that LOL)

Thanatos is also in the camp of "characters I appreciate more in hindsight and wish got better character development". Adding in the 'twist' that he was Hades' adoptive son after we just spent nearly two seasons watching Hades treat him like just a lowly employee who didn't deserve his respect was certainly... a choice. And I don't think I should have to explain why it was a very very BAD one LOL

Hephaestus is also great, I know he's an extremely minor character whose only real role was to delete the blackmail photos from Apollo's phone but, like. look at him???

amazing. precious. sweet boy. and it has absolutely nothing to do with my absent older brother issues why would you say that- (｡•́︿•̀｡) that said, there are still flaws in his design (his prosthetics especially because he's constantly wearing running blades for every occasion which I feel like Rachel only chose because they "looked cool" and were "easier to draw" but like. his poor hips and back, that's gotta be uncomfortable 😭) but even just his face on its own is ironically one of the most unique character designs across the entire cast, not for any sort of outstanding or creative reasons, you just can't possibly mistake or color swap him with anyone else LMAO and though I can't feasibly give credit to Rachel for writing a neurodivergent character - because I have no clue if that was her intention here, afaik she's never really talked about it - I can wholly relate to him being the introverted computer guy who just wants to be left alone with his work and his airpods, like that's literally just me LOL

And of course nothing Rachel could ever do would make me hate Demeter, I think it's so ironic and tone deaf that Rachel claimed she "didn't get" why Demeter was so hated by the fans and didn't "agree" with the comparisons to Mother Gothel, but like... Rachel literally wrote her that way. And while she did "resolve" it, it wasn't with any actual empathy towards Demeter's own side of things, it was just bandaids on top of bandaids and then going "yep! She's all better now! That's character development!" Out of all the characters who deserved better, she was the one who deserved the most 😔💓

[from-the-coffee-shop-in-edoras]

It’s time! I have unblocked the tags, seen the movie, and have thoughts about War of the Rohirrim!

There are some extremely generalized thoughts here, and then more specific and detailed thoughts are below the cut to shield them from those who want to avoid all discussion of plot. Also, I have literally *just* seen it, and it’s a lot to take in what with visuals, story, music, etc. So I reserve my right to change my mind later!

I liked it! I thought it was fun and engaging, and getting to revisit treasured sentimental things like the visuals of Meduseld or the Rohan theme from the original LOTR score are just like cheat codes to my heart.

It has canon deviations. In some cases, I can see why they wanted to make changes for purposes of effective movie storytelling (changing the location of certain events, for example). In others, I think it was probably just a desire to throw in something that folks will recognize from the movies/books even though the story didn’t need it. It doesn’t upset me, but your personal mileage might vary.

There’s been a lot of attention paid to Héra as the main character, but there are other cool women characters that have been added as well. That being said, I think the movie is still a little confused/confusing in what it thinks about the role of women in Rohirrim society and leadership. And, you know, Tolkien was confusing about it, too, which is why we are still having the “what really is a shield maiden?” discussion in 2024. But it’s notable to me nonetheless.

I went to an AMC but, alas, they did not have the war hammer popcorn buckets. ☹️

More specific opinions, kind of firehose style:

I liked Héra a lot and the old lady from the Hornburg, but I really liked Olwyn! I wish they would have made her Helm’s wife/Héra’s mom so that we could have avoided the Dead Mom trope. That would have also explained how/why Olwyn was wielding such significant authority/command over the defense of Edoras and the Hornburg even though she was positioned solely as someone in service to Héra.

They went WAY easy on Helm in the opening sequence with Freca. I can understand why — they don’t want to make Helm unlikeable right from the jump — but Helm of the books was more of an instigator of that mess than Freca (Helm swung first!!!) and he was a much bigger dick about it. I think it would have been interesting to see the other iteration, which would have been a more complex, nuanced take on Helm and given him even more chance for emotional growth.

That being said, I really liked how they handled the whole “Helm wanders off into the snow each night and scares the shit out of Wulf’s army” stuff. I thought it was really cool and very effective. Two thumbs up.

I was very appreciative that they made the Dunlending general who was aiding Wulf (Tragg? I think? Nope, Targg!) a real person — smart, strategic, not bloodthirsty, with real humanity — rather than the one dimensional “savage wild man” stereotype that has so often been the Dunlendings’ narrative fate.

OKAY Fréaláf!!! Loved that guy. Handsome, noble, loyal, progressive, showing up on the ridge with the ringing of horns just in time to turn the tide of a battle. Legend.

Miranda Otto says in the opening narration that you won’t hear about Héra in the histories and legends from that time (which you’ve gotta say, right, since she’s an invented character that is literally not in any of the histories and legends!). But I wish they had followed up on that directly at the end with a more concrete explanation for WHY she’s not remembered. Fréaláf loved her and respected her! He wouldn’t have erased her from the story even if she had ridden off to some uncertain adventure with Gandalf and never returned again! So I was left a little bit wondering still, “what happened???”

EDITING TO ADD: I cannot believe I forgot to say how glad I was that the movie seemed not to care about Héra’s romantic life at all. She says very clearly that she’s not interested in getting married, and of course Wulf doesn’t like that. But we don’t spend time delving into what she actually means or why she feels that way and we don’t have her reach some weird heteronormative realization along the way that she DOES want a man even if it’s not Wulf. It’s just stated and then we move on. Maybe she’s a lesbian, maybe she’s aro/ace, maybe she just has other priorities and concerns right now. Whatever her deal is, the movie is content to let it be without drama or judgment. And I liked that.

Stopping there because this could get quite long and I’m still thinking things over, but that’s my start!

[therealslimshakespeare]

Hello my darlings,

Ok so, workday and all this isn’t going to be as well thought out as I would like it to be. Go ahead and come for my phasing if need be but just try to read me as you always do, with the kindest intent.🥰

As creator of the content on this blog, the intellectual owner of all stories and characters therein 🤓 I have both the right and responsibility to moderate this blog as well. For that reason I’m making this post instead of answering every ask currently in my inbox. It’s not meant as a slight to your personal message and opinion if it goes unanswered, rather a way of being able to give all such a more heartfelt response.

Right here and now.

That ask…understandably raised a load of concern, caused bafflement and even, I surmise, hurt. When reading it I personally was more than a little unsure about reposting it at all due to some of it that was just plain…alarming? But I chose to. And I appreciate that all of yall have been kind enough to give me the benefit of the doubt for doing so…I did post it in hopes that I could shift this incessant comparison over and out for good. For some of the newcomers, perhaps this is a new phenomenon. But back in spring it was almost constant and it’s the opposite of what I’d like in regard to my OC’s. I had hopes it was done for. So I replied to this one, which was a bit of a throwback in general. I didn’t agree, but I replied in hopes of trying to refocus this whole viewpoint on the girls.

Didn’t really achieve that, tho. Or if I did, it certainly had the cost of making this space more than a little upset- understandably so. Which, while I love my OC’s- I love their readers even more, so I want to be loving and as good a guardian of this space’s wellbeing as I can.

And so, as moderator, I’m gonna go ahead and take that one down, it’s not adding much and it’s in fact hurting a good bit and maybe doing so will prevent others from feeling the same. Because, of course, I would never want to spread hurt, ever. I obviously, previously and repeatedly have disagreed with the sentiments expressed in that ask so in respect of how many indigenous fans my girl Lu has, we’re gonna exercise our moderating powers and take that one down.

Now, I know that doesn’t mean the discussion or sentiment is gone- just poof, all fixed! however, it’s the best I can do since I trust and hope that yall do understand my own position on this and that in reposting any ask I am by that action inherently publishing other’s opinions not necessarily reflective of my own.

Just wishing to steer all these discussions into kinder but also wise and aware channels.

Xoxo, I love you all. And remember- it takes guts to be gentle and kind 💋

[lxmelle]

Gojo’s letters & the implied parting message (Part 2)

I came across a view on Twitter (now X) that was interesting that I probably would have never thought of myself. While I may not agree with it 100% on its own, I can totally see the value in it and I wanted to share it here, seeing as how others may appreciate the perspective too. I’ve added my own thoughts which you’re welcome to read… Then you can make up your own mind about your personal interpretation 😊

So the sentiment is as follows:

At the end of HI, past-Gojo casually went up to Megumi to tell him that he killed his father, showing us that he is a little tactless. But, upon being told what Megumi wanted, he respected that Megumi didn’t want to know and accepted this for 10 years.

Despite that; however, we can infer from things we have been shown that he has always wanted Megumi to know. He was probably waiting for a good time. (As we know, Gojo doesn’t really impose his view onto others.)

Knowing there had to be a time where this message was delivered, he prepped the letter that would only be delivered if he (Gojo) died.

And what better timing & purpose, if it could help Megumi absolve any guilt he might have over (his body) killing Gojo? (Because him being dead meant Megumi likely killed him, thanks to Sukuna.)

According to the person whose Twt I read, they felt that Megumi’s laughing reaction was due to Gojo’s uncharacteristic consideration for him.

In other words, he was relaying it after he died to Megumi as a way to say: You got this cuz I’m dead. “And if you think your father is out there somewhere, he isn’t. It was me who killed him. Soz!” So don’t feel guilty.

Hm. Well, this was kind of echoed in at least another tweet and there were a few who made it out as if this was a fitting interpretation.

I also gathered from my last post on this subject, that Megumi was chuckling out of fondness, like “Geez, that’s so typical of you, sensei.”

But I do personally think it’s important to underline the fact that Gojo has always put in the effort to understand people even if he struggled to show it, or showed it clumsily. (Just like, “have you had too much somen?” - as said to Geto, back in the day.) So maybe it seemed uncharacteristic to Megumi, but I hope as a reader, we understand that Gojo had his own ways of being kind.

After all who can blame him if he didn’t quite fully understand what it meant to have blood family, being separated from his own? Born as an anomaly - a mutant amongst mutants. Who felt like others (flowers) couldn’t never comprehend a creature — and who could, unless they were bestowed with some monstrous skill themselves? (Like Geto, and Gojo had hoped, Sukuna... but the latter clung onto his stubborn self-protective belief of not needing “love” (compassion) until the very end, choosing to die instead of taking Yuji’s hand - another post on this another time).

And Gojo, after having been told last words from Toji and Geto about the importance of family, he may have gathered that it was better for Nobara and Megumi to know, than to have it concealed from them. Hence, the letters.

Know your family. Then decide who your family really is.

My own thoughts about the theory are as such: Gojo may have really wanted to tell Megumi that it was he who killed his father, because this was the only person he killed without a reason. (…that we know of: Gojo was canonically shown to have only killed two humans - Toji & Geto).

After Geto left, the parting message was: “don’t kill anyone other than me” - in other words, don’t do what I did, because that will make you lonely. If you need to kill, kill if there is a clear purpose or meaning in it.

This was his last lesson delivered to Gojo. We know his parting phrase was imbued with meaning due to everything we saw in HI and the draft words that Gege released from chapter (78) - important enough to make it to the exhibition and Gojo’s JUMP GIGA Character Book.

Geto played a significant role in him smartening up, how to connect with others, how to empathise with people, to think about what his responsibilities were as someone with strength.

So Gojo telling Megumi this was almost as if to say: you can stop wondering about him now; you weren’t left behind. I killed your father. You don’t have to feel responsible for it because there was meaning in it too.

In words Gojo might use: I killed him, you killed me. We’re even!

I guess it’s not only because Megumi couldn’t help it being Sukuna’s vessel. But also that he avenged his father’s death. All of Megumi’s thoughts relating to his father and Tsumiki as above: Retribution, karma, discipline… fairness and Megumi deserved happiness too.

And he chose to live again, starting by living for Yuji. A new purpose… he didn’t want Yuji to be lonely.

A loneliness I think he knew all too well.

He can add on more family after that. Nobara. Etc.

That’s it I guess. Thoughts?

[sillyteecup]

The Wrong Way

Roman Reigns x black!o.c

Jey Uso x black!o.c

Chapter 3

Warnings:

18+

Strong language

Slut shaming

Taglist: @wrestlingprincess80 @nbanenefrmdao @vebner37 @theninthwonder @tshepisho @lensilver @trentybenty @empressdede @queen-shadow22 @becauseimher @jstarr86

A.N: I would like to apologize to anyone who was expecting Main event Jey Uso. No pookies, this is 2021 Jey, or as I like to call him, "crashout Jey"🤭. Anyway, a delightful bunch our characters are yes? I honestly can't wait to get them to fully interact so we can see where this shit storm is going😭😭. Anyway here's chapter 3 of The Wrong Way. I hope you like it. Enjoy.❤️

The journey to Lori's new pris-home was long and silent. The Wiseman had arranged for her and her maidens to be seated in their own section of the jet with Sami for supervision. He said it was by the order of the Tribal Chief, which was a pleasant surprise to Loreal. However she still wasn't sold on the family.

Her maidens however were elated. Although they had not directly interacted with or even seen the Bloodline outside of Sami and the Wiseman, the closeness in proximity to the family was enough to spike their excitement levels. That paired with the opportunity to fly private with their Mistress. Previously When Lori and her family traveled, Lord Byron would have the Maidens fly commercial and in separate seats. No one understood why, and when Lori would protest he would be dismissive. So naturally, their current arrangement brought them joy.

While the maidens drank cocktails and shared hushed theories of how the palace would look, Lori sat opposite Sami in silence. His jaw often twitched as though he wanted to say something to her, but he never did. While he was slightly more relaxed away from the Tribal Chief, he was still on edge. Fidgeting with his rings and shifting relentlessly in his seat. All of the sudden movement was starting to annoy Lori.

"Sir-" she began, only to be interrupted by Sami.

"Sami. Just, Sami is fine, Miss Loreal," he said nervously with his hand up.

"That doesn't seem very inappropriate," Lori pointed out with an arched eyebrow.

"Well, Sir isn't exactly my title so calling me by name is as appropriate as it gets," Sami explained with a shrug.

Lori tilted her head as a look of confusion washed upon her features. "You are part of the most powerful family in the world, and you do not have a title?" she inquired.

Sami nodded before replying, "Well yes. But also no," he said vaguely.

"I don't follow," Lori said, folding her hands over her lap.

"I am a part of the Bloodline don't get me wrong. But I wasn't born into it, therefore no title. Well, unless you take, 'Honorary Uce' into account, but otherwise no title. Just good ole' Sami," Sami rambled, finishing his explanation with a nervous chuckle.

"Ah, I see. Honorary Uce Sami is quite the mouthful, but so is Miss Loreal. So you will call me Lori," Lori said jokingly to try and ease Sami's nerves.

"Lori," he sounded out slowly, as if testing it on his tongue. "I could work with that. Just not around the Tribal Chief," he added, his anxiety seeming to spike at the thought of Tribal Chief Roman.

"I'm sure he would not mind. At least until after the wedding," Lori shrugged, but Sami shook his head.

"Oh he would. He's very big on the title thing. Says it has to do with showing respect and humility," Sami explained.

"I don't think he'd care too much about showing me respect, I am after all an outsider. On top of that I am damaged. No one respects a damaged woman. They only seek to humble her," Lori said dryly, earning a soft small from Sami.

"I respect you, Lori," Sami said softly.

Lori's eyes softened. "Sami, while I appreciate the sentiment, you do not know me. You have no reason to respect me."

"Actually, I do have a reason. A couple actually," Sami stated, confidence slowly oozing into his tone making Lori smirk playfully.

"And praytell Sami, what are they?" she asked him.

Lori's smile grew at Sami's grin. His posture had slowly started to relax throught their conversation, and judging form his demeanor, he seemed very friendly. A stark difference from the family that took him in.

"Well, you're head strong, you're confident and you're kind. Well, at least kind to me and your maidens," Sami listed, counting his points with his fingers.

In a weird way, Sami reminded Lori of her mother. Although Azalea and her daughter hardly spoke, whenever they did, Lady Azalea always made sure to encourage and reassure Loreal. Lady Azalea would tell her that she was beautiful, intelligent, confident and kind. She would also remind Loreal not to let anyone take advantage of her kindness. Thus, her hot headed nature and occasionally cold demeanor.

"Thank you Sami. It might not mean much, but you have my respect as well," Lori replied softly.

She could've sworn she had just seen a tear roll down her new asset's eye.   

➽──────────────❥

Roman exited the jet, followed by his cousins. His hands rubbed at his temples as a headache had begun to set in from Jey's incessant complaining, paired with Jimmy's snarky rebuttals. He already tried his hardest to limit his time with the twins due to the constant bickering, always preferring Solo's quiet company above them. But if there was one thing he loathed, it was traveling with the twins because that meant he had to listen to every grating word.

Alas, however, the trip was over and he could finally get rid of them.

"It just feels so fucking disrespectful, you know? Of all the bitches yall could've picked, it had to be the one that's been around every street across the seas! I'm a prince man! I deserve better!" Jey complained for what was probably the 90th time since they had left the Moore house.

Roman had taken it with silence as he, to some extent understood his cousin's frustration. He knew that Jey felt undermined by the choice for his fiancé, and that he felt like a second-class citizen. However, Roman was not the one who chose Miss Loreal Moore, Rikishi, Jey's father was. And the last thing Roman wanted to do was involve himself in the affairs of a father and his son. Even if it was simply a power move.

Also, aside from her unfortunate status, Miss Loreal Moore was actually a good pick. Lord Byron held quite a lot of political influence across the seas and according to the file Lord Byron had sent to Paul, she was highly intelligent, she had a leadership streak, and she was incredibly ambitious. All of that was enough of a sell as it was, but it was at the meeting where she truly caught Roman's attention. Her defiance, to Roman, was a sign of strength.

Roman liked strong women.

Miss Loreal Moore was not a pushover, and that was a quality that she would need most in being part of and dealing with his family.

However, most of all, she was astoundingly beautiful.

Roman had hardly found himself in positions where he was taken by a woman's appearance. Apart from Nadine, he barely even noticed the women around him, but Loreal was a different story. Her piercing brown eyes, her glossy, plump, two-toned lips, her the stud on the left side of her wide nose and her deep, brown skin that seemed to glimmer in any atmosphere. That, paired with her breathtakingly curvy figure made it a mission for Roman not to stare at Miss Loreal Moore throught the meeting.

Miss Loreal Moore was going to be his cousin's wife in about a month. His thoughts on her looks were then thrown to the back his mind. They did not matter.

"I know you not talking, Mr 'I fuck every bitch that breathes in my direction'," Jimmy commented from his brother's side.

"Man, this is not the fucking time to be joking and shit! This is my fucking life we're talking about and I'm supposed to spend the rest of it with a ho?" Jey hissed, making Roman's temper flare up.

Clearly Jey was struggling to understand that this wasn't about him anymore. That this was a sacrifice he had to make for the family to prosper and maintain their power. Roman only hoped that Jey wouldn't fuck the engagement up, otherwise he would have to punish his cousin, and the last thing he ever wanted to do was hurt the man he considered his right hand man.

Jimmy waved him off before saying, "Man I don't see no difference. You a ho, she a ho-hell yall are perfect for each other if you ask me," Jimmy snickered.

"Well then it's a good thing nobody fucking asked you."

"Enough!" Roman grunted, immediately shutting his cousins up. He could've sworn he saw Solo's lips twitch into a grateful smile. But it was gone as soon as it appeared. Jimmy pressed his lips together in a thin line while Jey downright scowled. Roman sensed that his cousin had long passed the stage of dissatisfaction. He was angry, but he knew not to direct it at the wrong person.

"I understand. I understand that you don't like the fact that you're marrying a damaged woman. But you had your opportunity to choose a good woman for yourself," Roman started as he began to get in Jey's face.

"You had the chance to get you a fresh one, but you fucked up by deciding to fuck around with every whore that smiled at you. So if you wanna complain about the quality of woman your father found you, take that shit up with him, but never forget the chance you had to prevent that shit," Roman stated as he poked Jey in the chest to emphasize his point.

He then leaned in to whisper in his cousin's ear, "It's not about you anymore Uce. Get that through your thick fucking skull! This is about our family! This is about what's best for all of us," his tone was menacing as he reminded his cousin of the situation.

He stepped back to see Jey still scowling, but nodding in understanding. That was good. All Roman needed was for him to understand.

"You can still do your shit on the side, I'm sure she won't give a fuck anyway," Roman suggested. His short encounter with Miss Loreal Moore, although short, showed him that the regard she would show for his cousin was low.

As much as Jey knew about her reputation, Roman theorized she likely did not care in the slightest as she barely wanted to marry him in the first place. The only thing Roman worried about was her willingness to actually be a part of his family. That was a huge factor to take into consideration. One Roman would do everything in his power to sway in his favour.

"Yo Uce, your ho may be a ho, but she a mighty fine ho for sure," Jimmy said with a snicker.

Roman's eyes snapped to the open jet that had just landed. There she was, gracefully making her way down the stairs, wearing what seemed like her usual, disinterested, yet mildly irritated expression. Right behind her were her four servants, or maidens as her father had called them. The young women, each with eager smiles on their faces made their way down with their mistress's luggage and their own. Finally Sami stepped out holding another one of her bags. A gesture she rewarded with a kind smile that shocked Roman.

And angered him.

Roman watched in an unexplainable annoyance as Miss Loreal Moore conversated with Sami as she and her travel party made their way to him and his cousins. While the sight of her laughing at his jokes seemed to piss him off, the sound of her laughter did something to him. Something akin to casting an enchantment. However, it was washed away as soon as it was chanted. This was not the time.

"Miss Loreal Moore, I should hope that your flight was comfortable," Paul said as she approached.

Her happy expression quickly turned neutral, as if she had just remembered her situation all over again.

"It was. Thank you," she said curtly, her now scrutinizing gaze cutting through Roman's family and Paul in one clean swoop.

Paul, as though he had felt the slits of her irises like a blade to his skin, cleared his throat nervously before speaking again. "Well then, I'm sure the long journey has left you and your maidens in need of some rest. Tomorrow will be quite the long day," Paul said with a nervous chuckle.

Miss Loreal Moore's features never wavered from the stony expression she wore. Roman could feel her sizing him and his cousins up. He almost smirked at how shamelessly she glared.

"I agree Wiseman. But I must ask, will my fiancé be accompanying me to the palace?" she questioned, finally shifting her gaze to him. The bitterness in her tone was subtle, but still noticeable to Roman's ear.

Paul looked taken aback, not expecting her question as she seemed to not want any part in their marriage. Then it clicked in Roman's mind, she didn't know that Jey wouldn't be staying at the palace during their engagement. He then shot a glare to Sami who he had told to clue her in on what would happen next. Sami shrunk beneath the sharp glare.

"Oh, Miss Loreal, that's not-traditional we don't-" Paul began to sputter, being cut off by Roman's low tone, but gentle.

"Is that what you want, Miss Loreal?" Roman asked, attempting to gauge her reasoning.

She shrugged in response, saying, "Well we are to be married. It would only make sense for us to acquaint ourselves with one another."

Roman nodded then flashed a charming smile. "Then that's gonna happen," he said.

The moment Paul and the women were out of ear shot, Roman's gaze morphed into a deadly glare. "If you fuck this up, there will be some very dire consequences," he warned in a cold, low tone.

"Wiseman, please lead Miss Loreal Moore and her ladies to the car. Jey will catch up in a second," Roman requested, turning to face an irritated Jey.

Jey nodded silently, prompting Roman to release him. Jey ran to catch up with Paul and the ladies, while Roman turned around and headed to his own car followed by Sami and his remaining cousins. He contemplated having a little 'talk' with Sami, but decided against it.

If Miss Loreal Moore trusted Sami, then Roman would use that to gain her trust as well.

[thatanimewriter]

SLAVE TO THE BLADE.

➳ request: Team Rwby with a male S/O who is in a Kenpachi situation, he's a swordsman(samurai), mentally shackled himself from going all out because of how strong he is, wears an eyepatch to keep most of his aura from leaking out, loves to fight, wishes to fight a worthy opponent, bonus: Jaune studies under him as a student, please and thank you

➳ character/s: ruby rose, weiss schnee, blake belladonna, yang xiao long

➳ warnings: mentions of fighting, mention of food (weiss)

➳ notes: imma be real, i haven't gotten past the first few episodes of bleach since i was like, 12, so this description is what i'm going off of-

𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐫𝐮𝐥𝐞𝐬 / 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭  / 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 / 𝐰𝐢𝐩 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭

── 𝐑𝐔𝐁𝐘 𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐄.

she probably met you through jaune lets' be real, cause dude loves to ramble about stuff n he's probably talked about you a few times

wanted to fight you so bad the first time she met you, but you wanted to see if she was worthy first so you don't waste time

has asked about the eyepatch before but never really got a clear answer, it was quite vague cause you didn't wanna get into it

didn't beat you in a fight, but she lasted longer than you thought she would, so you started being friends and eventually dating

if she ever needs scary dog privileges, you're the go to, just have your resting face and the full get up and you're set

grumpy x sunshine dynamic for sure, you're so cool and intimidating n then she's there

minus aura points for the combination, but maybe it could be bonus, cause you're just so confusing as to how this happened

probably a top tier combat duo though, y'all crazy on the battlefield for real

she appreciates all the silent ways you show you love her like covering the table corner when she bends down

paying attention to small things like that thing she mentioned months ago n suddenly VOILA, it's here

she returns the sentiments by doing some more grand gestures but she'll tone it down if you ask

── 𝐖𝐄𝐈𝐒𝐒 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐍𝐄𝐄.

girl probably found you weird as hell at the start, but got over it quickly considering the world you live in-

she can appreciate an aesthetic though, she likes the samurai thing but confused by the eyepatch

japanese pirate??? what's going on with you???

the absolute TRAINING REGIME you put her through when you start dating is insane, but winter probably approves to a degree

push the limits, especially considering weiss' semblance with glyphs and stuff

you probably also improve a bit if you experiment with dust in combat

stubborn meets stubborn though, strange arguments will arise for certain situations

like whether you can like, get jaune to go away for a moment because she wants time with you but he's training under you-

or where to eat if she wants one thing and you want another, but eventually you get what you want respectively n come back n share

quality time king, that's what you are in this relationship

she will try on your eyepatch at least once because she's curious, but she got very embarrassed when you caught her

── 𝐁𝐋𝐀𝐊𝐄 𝐁𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐃𝐎𝐍𝐍𝐀.

she thought you were a bit unrefined just for how much you want to fight people all the time

but she did want to try you out to see if she was a worthy opponent, so she fought you once

n that's how the 'i hate you' to lovers pipeline began for her-

training sessions are nice for you both, she enjoys being pushed further than usual but she's a lil bitter you have to go easy on her

will just listen very knowingly when jaune rambles about a training session with you

it's probably a moment of bonding for them tbh, they both relate to how difficult it is to fight you

a lot of quality time again, you might read a book that the other recommended and just read in silence together

you do a lot of stuff in silence together because it's just nice to hang and relax

people definitely understand how you guys got into a relationship, you vibe match, except you're just a bit more energetic than her

you also have somewhat similar insecurities about harming people you care about, so there's another level of understanding between you

don't tell anyone, but she likes a scratch behind her cat ears and she purrs, which you found out by accident-

── 𝐘𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝐗𝐈𝐀𝐎 𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐆.

you met because she picked a fight with you ._.

you're both just as eager to fight people, so it was only a matter of time before she came and snuffed you out

you think she's very reckless, but you can teach her some tactics in the get-to-know-you phase

that was probably how she got to know you: the winner of each fight got to ask any question they wanted

was very mad when you admitted to letting her win a couple times because you're just so powerful

people avoid you in the halls because they don't wanna do a 1v2 against you guys

she's tried on your gear at least once, n tried to get you to wear hers but that was a hard no from you

her abilities and endurance has definitely improved because of you, but she just wants to be the better pupil vs jaune-

there's an unspoken competition between them that they think you don't know about but you do

you say jaune is better for lols and because you think her lil frowny face is cute

also because you feel a bit bad for jaune-

[bird-inacage]

Only Friends: EP10 Ray's Therapy Scene (First Focus)

I've been meaning to do a deep dive on this scene, which has no doubt been immensely commended for Khaotung's stellar performance (I'm running out of vocabulary to gush about how talented that boy is). However the purpose of this post is to highlight how equally superb First is, as I fear some may overlook the excellent work he does here.

The reason why this scene warrants a huge amount of respect is how challenging this dynamic is on both actors. Only Ray is speaking the entire way through, which means the tone and rhythm of the scene is led by Khaotung, whilst First's role here as Sand is to be reactive to this immense outpouring and release of emotion. First is required to be a very restrained and contemplative presence - a projection and visual representation of Sand in Ray's own mind. It's literally acting on a macro (Khaotung) and micro (First) level in tandem.

I want to start by mentioning how well First portrays this bedded-in weariness in Sand’s demeanor throughout, an expression we’ve seen in Episode 8. It carries this heartbreakingly heavy and worn down quality. A symptom of a man who bears far too much weight on his shoulders, whose mental toil never seems to end; a product of his own nature and those who knowingly or unknowingly take advantage of it. This is the tragedy of Sand's character. And this is the realisation that is well and truly hitting Ray now. His temper and behaviour have inevitably taken its toll on someone Ray knows doesn't deserve all the suffering he's been putting him through.

⬆️ "I was stupid, but I want you to understand me. I was mad at you because I cared so much about you."

When Ray starts asking for forgiveness, there's an air of slightly deflated scepticism that flits across Sand's face. Sand's immediate instinct is to be hopeful, to give someone the benefit of the doubt. But the reality is Ray has apologised a number of times before and that hasn’t stopped him from hurting Sand still. So Sand’s expression sobers, conscious of how likely it is that Ray will let him down again.

This is Ray acknowledging that he's fallen into a pattern of taking Sand for granted. If that’s all Sand has come to expect, why would his apology this time change anything? Ray has not earnt his redemption yet as he hasn't apologised to Sand in person, and has no guarantee it would be accepted. Which is why he's so upset because he registers that Sand's disappointment in him is fully deserved.

⬆️ "There's no one more caring or loving than you. Though I've been nothing but an asshole to you."

You see the tiniest lift of Sand's brow that's tinged with grateful disbelief, 'Me? But I'm nothing special'. His gaze softens by the sentiment, a visible breath inhaled in as if taken aback, clearly touched but hesitant to believe it. A humbling trait of Sand's is that he genuinely struggles to see his own value. He doesn't realise just how meaningful he can be to someone. That he could hold such weight.

And all the criticism that Ray has thrown at Sand has only piled onto the insecurities he possesses. Remarks that have questioned Sand's principles, his dignity, his sense of worth.

⬆️ "But if you don't want to put up with me anymore, that's alright. I get you."

Ray's image of Sand watches on as he begins to fall apart, crushed by a mixture of intense fear, regret, and despair that this may be too little too late. That his last outburst may well have been the final straw, and he failed to appreciate Sand when it mattered.

On the surface Sand may look numb or somewhat devoid of emotion, but you can detect the turbulence brewing underneath. Sand has a habit of holding in his feelings in to an almost painful degree (which begs for release). It gives you the impression he could suddenly burst at the seams at any given moment. But Sand as always holds still, holds strong, holds steady. Other than the slight twitch of his lip, he holds himself together somehow.

⬆️ "No one can put up with me".

Ray vocalises his own self-hatred, how little he deserves someone like Sand, how guilty he feels for causing this damage. Whilst he does so, Sand appears increasingly teary, lip ever so slightly quivering, brows crumpling. He looks like he desperately wants to break down and cry along with Ray.

What sets Sand apart from everyone else in Ray’s life is he understands. He can sympathise with why Ray is the way he is. Despite everything Ray has done, Sand still very much wants to protect him, shield him, care for him. He doesn't blame him. It breaks his heart to see Ray upset, to see Ray hurting. His compassion for Ray has always been his undoing.

The last thing he would want is for Ray to feel unwanted or intolerable. He tries to be the person who can withstand Ray's temper, his volatile nature, because he knows Ray is still deserving of love. It’s because of this love that he can feel every single thing that Ray is going through.

Sand exudes an incredibly strong parental presence in this scene; a form of unconditional love and patience. As we're often told by our parents, they're not angry at us when we veer off path, just disappointed and perhaps saddened on our behalf - but that won't stop them from loving us all the same. This is beautifully captured by First. You can detect Sand's selfless love for Ray in his every gaze, always.

⬆️ "Ever since you walked into my life, I've been so happy. So damn happy Sand."

This is where Sand almost breaks down as he displays a small, tentative smile that is laced with pained and tired relief. His eyes close in an attempt to maintain composure. Whilst there’s overwhelm, there’s also finally a glimmer of peace.

This is what Ray knows Sand needs to hear, what Ray wishes he'd said sooner. Ray picturing himself saying this to Sand may be a form of vindication in the event he doesn't get say this to him in-person.

Finally Ray collapses into Sand's arms. Sand seems to visibly reign in his own emotions, in order to revert back to 'care-taker' mode. Sand nods once, a gesture of kindness and true acceptance that says 'It's all okay, I know.'

He's Ray's pillar, his rock, and his raft. Sand has become Ray's primary source of safety and comfort. Sand's gaze is so endlessly gentle as he nestles in close to hold Ray. Everything about his embrace feels warm and stable in such a reassuring way. Sand is every bit as loving and caring as Ray just described him to be.

What makes this entire portrayal so devastating is this is the Sand Ray sees and knows. Ray mentions in Episode 11 that he’s been stowing away these details. Which indicates that everything Sand has done and said has not gone unnoticed. Whether it was due to denial or ignorance that prevented Ray from confronting it sooner, he has unconsciously taken note of it all. How Ray's image of Sand responds in this scene is based on every interaction he's had with Sand up until now. This imaginary representation of Sand is proof of everything that Ray has come to fall in love with.

First was not given any dialogue in which to communicate in this scene. His entire performance relies solely on the tiniest of micro-expressions and gestures. He symbolises the essence of Sand but not the physical manifestation of him. Therefore his acting may come across as understated but that’s a sign of real talent when you can say so much with so little.

[saintofsacrilege]

Thinking about Jason reading AFTG rn, who would you say is his favourite character? Is there an evolution between kid Jason, Jaybin, pre-flashpoint Red Hood, Rebirth Red Hood? Just mashing the fandoms together in a blender, puréeing them together if you will

mhm, good soup (puréed fandoms).

my interpretation of jason at any stage in his life relies so heavily on personal hcs and cherry-picking canon that these may be the most atrocious takes you’ve ever heard. but here we go!

kid jason: i think he’d feel the most connected to aaron. everyone’s telling you you’ll never make anything of yourself? that your life was doomed before it began? well, you’re not gonna accept that, are you? you’re gonna find a way to prove all of them wrong. you’re not gonna let anyone kill your dreams just because they’re “unrealistic” for someone “like you.” jason and aaron also both have a very strong dedication to their mother, who struggled with a drug addiction. while i don’t believe jason’s mom was ever abusive, i think jason would feel somewhat vindicated by seeing a representation of someone who still loved their mom despite what her illness drove her to do/made her into.

jaybin: neil. a man with a reputation for taking in strays gives you the offer of a lifetime? you get the chance to leave your past behind, even for a little while, and have something good that gives you joy and fulfillment at a level you never thought you’d get to experience? you’re familiar enough with the cruel way the world works to know that happiness won’t last forever, that it’ll have an expiration date, but you want to make the most of it while you still can? yeah, jaybin would definitely see himself in neil. he’d also get a kick out of neil’s attitude problem and continued state of being a pr nightmare.

(outing myself as a fake fan when i admit that i’m not very familiar with the difference between pre-flashpoint and rebirth red hood, so just know that my “red hood” is a mash-up of random fragments of comic canon and utrh)

red hood: this one’s a little more complicated. i think andrew’s system of making deals to feel like he has any worth to others would really resonate with jason. but given the torture the joker put him through, jason would probably have a ton of respect for neil post-baltimore, too. he’d also probably be a bit jealous of neil getting welcomed back with open arms and getting to stay “neil josten” even after nathaniel wesninski came to light. in contrast, jason couldn’t really stay “jason todd” legally or in the eyes of the people who once cared about him after he was revealed to be red hood. he was… someone else, as far as everyone else was concerned. so jason’s favorite would probably be either andrew or neil with some complicated emotions attached to the latter.

bonus: i hc as jason being raised catholic and having a super complicated relationship with christianity because of that, so—like neil—he probably wouldn’t be renee’s biggest fan. maybe a part of him feels like the subliminal messaging of her character is that if he had “enough faith,” he could’ve come back from the dead/his ultimate low point as a comparatively “better person” instead of a more violent one. which. no question why jason wouldn’t appreciate that sentiment too much. still, i think he’d find himself surprisingly touched by renee giving her knives to andrew and sparring with him.

this is really long whoops

[sunflowerabyss]

Charms of Fate: Chapter 2

Paring: Remus Lupin x Fem!Professor!Reader

Series Masterlist

Plot: Amidst the echoes of a bygone era, you return to Hogwarts years after parting ways with Hogwarts. What begins as a journey fueled by nostalgia transforms into an unexpected reunion with Remus Lupin, now a Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. As the past intertwines with the present, the two former classmates navigate the complexities of grief, the resurgence of friendship, and the unwritten chapters of their shared history in this tale of rediscovery and the magic that binds them together.

Warnings: fluff, mention of character deaths

____________________________________________________________

After the delightful dinner in the Great Hall, the buzz of excited students gradually faded as they headed off to their respective houses. The professors lingered, ensuring that the last stragglers made their way out before turning in for the night. As you stood up to push in your chair and brush off your skirt, you felt a presence behind you.

"(Y/N), would you mind if I walked you to your room?" Remus asked, his tone warm and sincere. You nodded silently, the smell of chocolate faintly greeting your nose as you stepped past him.

As you and Remus left the Great Hall, you took notice of the castle's magical paintings, the vibrant colors, and moving images. The echoing footsteps against the castle's stone walls seemed to blend seamlessly with the distant crackling of the fireplace.

When you reached your room, you turned to Remus with a warm smile, "Thank you for walking me back, Remus."

Remus returned the smile, "No worries at all, (Y/N). It's been pleasant." As he turned to leave, you felt an unexpected impulse. Gently tugging on the sleeve of his coat, you stopped him in his tracks.

Remus looked back at you with a hint of curiosity, and as you held onto his sleeve, you couldn't help but notice the softness of the fabric beneath your fingertips. The worn texture seemed to carry the weight of countless adventures and shared moments, further connecting you to the past.

Suddenly, without overthinking, you pulled him into a tight hug. The embrace held an unspoken mixture of emotions—the joy of reunion, the acknowledgment of time passed, and the appreciation for the shared connection. As you held onto Remus, you could feel the subtle warmth of his coat against your cheek, a comforting reminder of the familiar.

As Remus reciprocated the hug, his arms wrapping around you in a gesture of understanding and comfort, you couldn't help but feel a rush of emotions. The strength and warmth of his embrace created a sense of safety, as if the passage of time melted away, leaving only the shared connection that had endured through the years.

When you eventually pulled away, tears glistened in your eyes, yet your smile remained. The tears were not solely a reflection of sadness; they were also the manifestation of the overwhelming happiness that swelled within you. Remus's face softened as he met your gaze.

"After all this time," you whispered, your voice carrying a tender sincerity, "it's been really, really good to see an old friend."

Remus nodded, his eyes expressing a shared sentiment. "It's been good for me too, darling."

With those heartfelt words, you bid Remus goodnight, the echoes of your reunion lingering in the corridor as you stepped into your room. As you settled in for the night, you carried the comfort of that embrace with you.

As Remus left your room and ventured back into the empty corridor, conflicting emotions stirred within him. The familiar surroundings of Hogwarts echoed with memories, some sweet and some tinged with bittersweet reality. Remus couldn't help but reminisce about his days at Hogwarts, a time when the castle felt like a haven despite the looming secret he harbored.

He remembered the quiet moments shared with you during your last year, the unspoken understanding that bound you together. In those stolen moments away from the pranks and laughter of the Marauders, Remus found solace in you. It was unfortunate that life's inexorable path had pulled you in different directions, leaving that connection as a distant refrain.

However, in the wake of the tragic events that unfolded on that tragic Halloween night, Remus found himself grappling with an overwhelming sense of grief and loss. The devastating news of the demise of James and Lily Potter, his closest friends, and the subsequent descent of Sirius Black into Azkaban cast a long shadow over Remus's world. The weight of these losses pressed heavily on his heart, creating a tempest of emotions that made even the simplest tasks, like responding to a letter, feel insurmountable.

While mourning, Remus received letters from you, who poured out your heartache to him. Each carefully penned word conveyed the depth of your emotions and the genuine concern you felt for him. However, Remus, burdened by the weight of his grief and the desire to shield those he cared about from the dangers of his lycanthropy, found himself unable to respond.

Haunted by the fear that his condition could bring harm to those he held dear, Remus made the difficult decision to distance himself from the very connections that once brought him solace. The pain of losing James and Lily, coupled with the burden of his own secrets, led him to believe that isolation was the only way to protect those he cared about.

Thus, in the silence that followed, you received no replies to your heartfelt letters. Remus, navigating the seas of grief and self-imposed solitude, chose to spare you the burden of his own struggles. The absence of correspondence, unbeknownst to you, was not a reflection of indifference but rather a desperate attempt to keep you safe from the shadows that loomed over Remus's own existence.

It was a sacrifice borne out of love and a profound sense of responsibility, a choice made in the hope that by distancing himself, he could spare those he cared about from the unstable currents of his own life. And as time continued its inexorable march forward, those unsent letters became a silent testament to Remus's enduring struggle to reconcile the ties of friendship with the relentless demands of his lycanthropic nature.

Nevertheless, as he walked alone, the ghost of a smile played on Remus's lips, tinged with a melancholic undercurrent. All he could think about was how nice it would be to have you in his arms again.

___________________________________________________________

The morning sunlight filtered through the castle windows, casting a warm glow on the stone walls. As you stood before your wardrobe, nervously choosing your outfit for the first day of class, a cascade of thoughts raced through your mind. The weight of anticipation pressed on your shoulders as you wondered if you could live up to the expectations that came with your new role as the Charms professor.

Your fingers hesitated over the assortment of robes, each representing a choice that felt monumental in the context of the day ahead. The vibrant colors and intricate patterns seemed to mock your uncertainty, and you ultimately settled on a set that blended professionalism with a touch of your personal style.

With your attire chosen, you made your way to the Great Hall, hoping to catch a glimpse of Remus before the day officially began. However, your path intersected with Severus Snape, whose dark eyes bore into your own with a penetrating gaze. The air seemed to thicken as he spoke, his tone laced with a hint of disdain.

"(Y/N)," he drawled, the syllables sliding off his tongue with deliberate coldness. "Starting your first day, are we? I do hope you've thoroughly prepared for the challenges that lie ahead."

The veiled insinuations in Snape's words made you bristle with unease, and you squared your shoulders, ready to defend yourself against whatever he might throw your way. Before you could respond, however, he continued, his sneer deepening.

"Especially when it comes to certain colleagues. Not everyone is as they seem, you know."

The cryptic warning left you on edge, your curiosity mingled with a growing sense of irritation. You shot back, "I'm more than capable of forming my own opinions, thank you. And I don't need your advice on how to navigate the Hogwarts staff."

Snape's oily smirk persisted as he sauntered away, leaving you with a lingering sense of discomfort. Before she could fully process the encounter, a familiar voice broke through the tension.

"(Y/N)," Remus greeted, appearing by your side with an understanding glint in his eyes. "I hope Snape wasn't bothering you too much."

A wave of relief washed over you as you met Remus's gaze. Together, you made your way to the Great Hall, where you both found an empty spot at the staff table. The aroma of breakfast filled the air as you settled into conversation, seeking refuge from the unpleasant encounter.

"How are you feeling about the first day?" Remus inquired, his expression open and supportive.

You hesitated for a moment before confessing, "Nervous, to be honest. I just hope I can be a good professor for the students."

Remus smiled reassuringly, a warmth in his gaze. "You'll be fantastic, (Y/N). There's no one better suited for the job. And if you ever need anything, I'm always here for you."

"Thank you, Remus, that means most coming from you," you replied, picking up your tea, trying not to focus on the way his eyes bore into you.

[the-cryptographer]

Finished Mass Effect 2 as well.

This game did get me a bit more invested in the worldbuilding. Idk, I think it retains a lot of the basic jarring gender existentialist issues that were in ME1, but I admit the like... emotional resonance of a lot of the ambient dialogue on Illium and Tuchanka - the conversation with Aethyta - made it come together in a way that felt harder to dismiss.

I think the same goes with the Quarians. idk, in the context of dragon age you can still see the sort of anti-nomadic and anti-indigenous settler-colonialist sentiments come through in the dialogue about whether Tali needs to regain the homeworld or move on. But the extra levels of sci-fi, the fact that the Quarians are the creators of the Geth, really do sort of distance it from real life in a way I feel more inclined to engage solely on the merits of the text. And it really helps that the Tali loyalty mission was so standout. The way she defends her perspectives to you. The way the game rewards you ultimately not for taking the right side on the political conflicts of a culture you are not a part of, but for showing up to support and protect Tali and respect her wishes about her dad while she is under scrutiny by her own people. It was very emotional - honestly everything I wish we had gotten from the Merrill character quests in DA2 - and it gave me a pretty clear picture for why she is the favoured romance for the more straight dude part of the fandom.

Am super excited to replay her character quest with Legion as part of it too. idk, love that funky little geth dude.

I did come around on Miranda, even before she tells the Illusive Man to go to hell in the final quest. Idk, she didn't become less objectionable on a personal level exactly, but she does gain depth and did ultimately make me appreciate her part in the story.

Yeah, really glad I installed the Jack romance mod to restore the cut content with fshep. Was worried I was jumping the gun thinking she'd be the character I went feral over but, nah, I was exactly right. Truly she is like Fenris and Sera had a horrible horrible child with all his angst and all her emotional volatility and I love love love her so much. I admit her romance is def the like creepy da2 lis and zevran brand of trying to tongue someone whose agency is undermined by having nowhere else to go after repeated exploitation, but something something what were you doing at the devil's sacrament? At least you don't shove her into a wall directly after she has a ptsd episode and assume that's consent.

idk, for things i disliked: the da2 style dialogue wheel of saying shit I never would have predicted really continues and is tbh worse because exhausting the questions on the left side of the dialogue wheel sometimes results in shep making wildly contradictory points that are really not compatible with one another at all. idk, i was basically reloading every major conversation twice trying to find the options that actually seemed to come together into the character I was actually trying to roleplay.

more than one loyalty mission fell apart for me on the sudden moralising about who is okay to let your friends kill after an entire mission of gunning down hundreds of people. idk, i have individual opinions about how safe it is to let some of those fuckers keep running around with their heads attached vs others, and also opinions on who it is mentally healthy for the companions to act out their murder impulses on, but these two opinions do not always match and in almost all cases shep is so high handedly moralising about it I want to slug them.

ammo management in this game kept being a huge pain in the ass. there was absolutely no rhyme or reason I could tell between missions that overloaded me with so much extra available ammo that I was drowning in it, vs missions that were so stingy with it I was almost out of rounds on my third non-preferred weapon by the end of it.

[neonmetro]

KALYPTOOOOGSGDHEHSJDHRJSJFJYRHDJD

Wow.....kalypto......what a woma- *Gets hit by ongoing traffic*

Hey guys, so I know a lot of these characters make me look insane but I promise I am very normal ( totally ). It's just that......kalypto is just kalypto okay.....

THEY MAKE ME WANT TO DO BACKFLIPS WHAT. they are so awesome......I would say I would like to know so much more about them, but I'm not sure if you gave additional info, LMAO

I would, however, like to give Uly appreciation 💕💕💕💕 I know I don't talk about this guy often, but it's just so awesome, man. I'm gonna give it headpats, trust 🥰🥰🥰

ANYWAYS, now that I got that tiny rant out the way.....HAVE A GOOD DAY *winks and throws a rose at you

- paris anon

HEH... yeah... kalypto does that to people... smiles and winks

I CAN'T REMEMBER IF I DID GIVE ADDITIONAL INFO EITHER. but here's a basic run down

the founding is more like a mafia family than a biological family, but even then the direct children between members of the founding are considered highly. unless you fuck up your proof of value. i'm thinking both circe and kalypto failed these tests because they were just considered not special enough (mind you, still talented on normal people standards, but below average for the founding.) and so were exiled to aeaea and ogygia respectively. they're still apart of the founding so they deserve nothing less than luxury, but just distant members as not to draw too much embarrassment to the main family.

circe was able to brute force her way through learning magic through desperation and becoming a magical girl on her own, but kalypto remained powerless. the only power that they Do Have, is specifically tied to ogygia (at least that's what they think).

they have no idea whether or not their power is limited to just ogygia, they did try leaving the island at one point and traveled around the nearby islands and met circe at one point outside of the founding's gaze and had a good time for awhile. they got to socialize, they got to drink and feast, but they started seeing signs of aging, scars, wearing and tearing at their skin. all their life they didn't have to worry about the implications of being mortal, they were a lesser deity and was a failure in that regard, but at least they weren't mortal. all the worst, people were after their head for their careless nature apparently breaking a few local laws. so! they decided to retire from fishing and go running back home to ogygia.

in ogygia, they're able to stay young forever. all their scars and wrinkles disappear, and they look barely a year older than ulysses despite being much older than him. and all life on ogygia remains as it were, growing what it needs to, cycling through some brief change, but ultimately remaining the same.

they haven't had human contact in quite some time, so frankly it was a miracle for them that someone washed up their shores just for them! just for them only, it's only proof of their status, and they can be happy together in a state of constant.

and honestly? ulysses shared that sentiment, and that's why it worked for awhile. it literally took a deus ex machina for him to regain the willpower to move on and not be entirely halted in his own self growth (ofc he did this for the most self sabotaging reasons but the point is he does have the willpower to move on he just needs to break his bad habits.)

i do think after ulysses left kalypto just is. in a constant state of wallowing. they really miss it. to the point of becoming suicidal. but also it isn't worth stopping the cycle and hurting themselves. it isn't a good time for them :/

they do genuinely wish for the best for ulysses, hell even penelope, but what they believe is that they're the best ulysses can do now. they're as good as they get without being a straight up god, and ulysses shouldn't be chasing after a woman who couldn't even compare to kalypto. (kalypto is. incredibly insecure, even if they don't think they are. they constantly compare how much better they are against penelope and even circe and they don't realize how alone they are)

some notes for them...

i really like their flowers in their hair though... originally they had such a diff design all bc i was afraid to make them blonde?????? (brother ulysses is blonde idk what the problem here was) but also the color palette was giving me difficulty... but making them a orange was a good choice. imo

originally they were supposed to be a doctor-like character, but if anything they're more of a nurse than a doctor... the glasses were to give them more interest bc originally they didn't have the flowers? but now i just think they're charming so they get to keep them...

i do want to redesign their outfit again so ... back in the designing trenches i go

for some reason i really associate them with the sun even though they're a child of atlas not helios….????? but whatever close enough go my titan children.

obv i'm taking my own liberties w/ kalypto, i really do think they're interesting and i wish there was more done with them (i have to specify kalypto did not sa uly in novaturi)